Local businesses and organisations are being encouraged to get involved with Stafford Dementia Friendly Community as World Alzheimer’s Month shines a spotlight on how small changes can make Stafford more accessible and supportive for people living with dementia.
What’s new: Stafford Dementia Friendly Community is inviting local businesses and organisations to its next meeting on Thursday 17 September.
Why it matters: Shops, cafés, restaurants, offices and other organisations can make relatively small changes that help people living with dementia continue to use and enjoy local services.
What’s next: The meeting takes place from 10.00am to 11.30am on 17th September, at the ASDA Community Room in Stafford, ahead of World Alzheimer’s Day on 21 September.
September is World Alzheimer’s Month, with World Alzheimer’s Day taking place on 21 September, making this an important time to raise awareness of dementia, challenge the stigma that can still surround it and look at practical ways we can better support people living with dementia, their families and carers.
The Staffordshire Dementia Friendly Community is working towards making Stafford a more dementia friendly town and is encouraging local businesses, shops and organisations to get involved.
The next meeting will take place on:
Thursday 17th September 2026 10.00am to 11.30am
ASDA Community Room, Stafford
A further meeting will take place on Thursday 19 November, from 10.00am to 11.30am, also at the ASDA Community Room.
The meetings are not just for people working within health or social care. Shops, cafés, pubs, restaurants, offices, banks and other businesses and organisations across Stafford are encouraged to send a representative along.
People living with dementia still want to go shopping, meet friends, eat out and use local businesses and services. Sometimes relatively small changes can make a significant difference.
Better staff awareness, clearer signage, allowing somebody a little more time, recognising when a person may need assistance or simply knowing how best to respond if somebody appears confused can all help.
Julie Perry, Chair of Staffordshire Dementia Friendly Community, said:
“We would really encourage businesses across Stafford to send a representative along. Dementia is not something that only concerns people working in health and social care. It affects individuals and families right across our community.
“People living with dementia should still be able to enjoy going into town, shopping, meeting friends, having something to eat and using local businesses and services.
“There are often simple things businesses and their staff can do that can make the experience much easier for somebody living with dementia and for the person accompanying them.
“Our aim is to bring people together, share ideas and look at practical ways we can make Stafford a more understanding and dementia friendly town. Small changes can make a big difference.”
Businesses and organisations interested in attending or finding out more can contact:
Julie Perry, Chair julie.perry@jacksonperry.co.uk
Lorraine, Admin lorraine@lrpartnership.co.uk
With World Alzheimer’s Day following on 21 September, the meeting on the 17th is a particularly good opportunity for Stafford businesses to get involved, learn more and consider what they can do to support people living with dementia and their families.
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